Chinese state councilor to speak on coronavirus at Munich Security Conference
CGTN

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Germany to attend the 56th Munich Security Conference (MSC) and co-chair the fifth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomatic and Security Affairs with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas from Thursday to Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang announced in an online press briefing on Wednesday.

Wang will deliver a keynote speech at the MSC, in which he will talk about the Chinese government and people's fight against the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) as well as international cooperation in this regard, Geng said.

"We believe we will get deeper understanding and broader support from the international community," the spokesperson stressed.

Wang will highlight China's commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing global challenges, he added.

The Chinese diplomat will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign representatives and officials from international organizations on the sidelines of the conference, Geng noted. 

The annual MSC is a leading international forum on diplomatic and strategic security.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas hold the fourth round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomatic and Security Affairs in Beijing, China, November 13, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas hold the fourth round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomatic and Security Affairs in Beijing, China, November 13, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak will also be an important topic in the talks between Wang and German politicians, Geng said. 

"Both sides will have discussions on the latest situation and cooperation in epidemic control and public health, which will help China get more international support in this area," the spokesperson said.

At the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomatic and Security Affairs, Wang and Maas will exchange views on China-Germany relations, China-EU ties, joint efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade, as well as regional and international hotspot issues, he noted. 

Earlier on Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed the prevention and control of the outbreak in a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Li called on Berlin to facilitate China's purchase of medical supplies from Germany through commercial channels.